yes i do it all the time
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The job really does exist, but I've always wanted to know how to become one and how to find a reputable agency to work for. I'd be curious to see if anyone knows.
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Yes, it really exists.

But it's not worth your time!

My friend did it. She paid $35 just to sign up to do it. They told her to shop at some clothing department store and spend $1000 at that store, and describe her shopping experience. She had to do a certain number of tasks.

But when it came time to get reimbursed for her money, she only got back a little bit more than half of her money. They claimed that she spent money on "unnecessary items", even though they never specified what she had to buy. So, basically, she did a lot of work, and spent more money than she made.

It works if you don't mind NOT making money.

Good Luck!
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I do it for restaurants. Check out http://www.a-closer-look.com
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yes. there are positions for people who shop at stores and take information on the store cleanliness, set up, advertising, and staff.

but be careful, some internet mystery shopper ads are scams.

never give out:

social security #

credit card info

bank account info

atm/debit card info

or any information you are uncomfortable giving out.
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I mystery shop for Service Sleuths. Check it out!
http://servicesleuths.com/
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http://servicesleuths.com/

If you have ever worked in retail, you know it is real. Some companies don't hire specific people for this, but just ask for volunteers within their employees. I know you can sometimes find stuff in the local paper about places looking for shoppers.
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Doing a 'dumb' survey is what the job is all about.

You'll go 'undercover' to a restaurant or store and rate the service, food, etc…

You'll then write up your experience in a 'dumb' survey and that feedback is given to the store's management so they can address service and product issues.

My suggestion, don't do it if you're not ready to give extensive, meaningful feedback. Ultimately, the firm using you as a mystery shopper will be unhappy with your performance and quit using you.
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Absolutely! When I was a kid working at restaurants very often we would have meetings and review the results found by the mystery shoppers. We had to be on our toes all the time since we didn't know when they'd be coming. The big chains are usually the ones who use them. I know that the KFC (then Kentucky Fried Chicken), Arthur Treachers and the Shakies where I worked were all visited by mystery shoppers.
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My best advice is never pay to be find work. Mystery shopping does exist but its not as easy as some sites make it seem visit these two websites for more information
http://mysteryshop.org and http://volition.com
Browse around both sites look for forums and information it will become invaluable if you are serious.
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yes, it isn't worth your time. I signed up for a company the job was to go to McDonalds. You had to order via the drive through what they wanted, time everything with a stop watch, taste it, and then go in the restaurant and order again (something different, but you still don't get to choose) time the service and taste and sit there for at least 15 minutes. The thing that really sucked was that you had to go alone and only at the time they specified. And for all of that they would pay you $10 and cover the cost of the food. As I don't eat meat, this definately wasn't the job for me!!
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Ya, my mom did it for a while. In fact, be careful because if you work for a chain store or corporation, your employer most likely hires mystery shoppers. They hire these people to see how they will be treated–how normal customers are treated. The mystery shopper fills out some sort of score card and gives comments. I remember my mom being a secret shopper at Mrs. Field's Cookies and Marie Callender's. They usually let you accept or reject an assignment. Usually the company that hires you just pays you for what you buy (they tell you what to buy and give you a dollar limit). They might pay you a small compensation for your time but I don't think it's much. You have to go during specific hours and order specific things… However, my mom did this years ago and not through the internet. She probably did it through some market research company. You could look in your phone book if you're hesitant about doing it through the internet.
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my mom

I am a full tijme mystery shopper, and I love it.

visit http://www.freepowerboards.com/mystyqueshopper/mystyqueshopper.html
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yes i called about one, there is a catch i was told to send 100.00, i told them no way! the called back the next day and said that they would accept 70.00, i told them not to call me again. be carefull
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That's not a job.That's what you call a bad habit.
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yes there is. if you have a bank account where they can send your money you can get the job. there is however a training you have to do to do the job the way they want you to do it.
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secret shopper.com or mystery shopper.com

Yes, there are real positions as Mystery Shoppers. I work part-time for a company.

It's an easy way to make a few extra dollars and sometime get a nice meal, for FREE!
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i saw something about that but i dont think its a real occupation like an internet lawyer or somethin
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